“You flatter me. Though I'm surprised how you found out, I won't deny it. You’re right, Your Majesty. I’m the princess of Eurhyia. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” I returned the warm smile, and she seemed to be pleased that I was bold enough to admit it.

Her reason for being here can't be anything else but to interrogate me, but I shouldn't give a bad impression. Facing royalty isn't new to me after all – I've met kings and queens of other kingdoms before since I’m highly involved in political matters despite being a princess, and that made my father proud of me.

The empress boldly entered my chambers without waiting for an invitation, making herself comfortable on the couch. I was taken aback by her audacity, as I hadn't anticipated such a direct approach from her.

"I hope you wouldn't mind, but should I call a physician? I can see some scratches and minor wounds on you, and parts of your casual clothes are torn," she remarked, her tone filled with concern. Her curiosity piqued, she continued, "That looks like the work of a Ruby Izavene. Were you attacked by one? If so, please do tell me who did it, and I will make sure they learn their lesson. I have a feeling His Highness won't let this slide either. He values you, as evidenced by that hand chain alone. My guess is he's quite angry right now."

It's remarkable how well the empress seems to understand Azriel. Her display of concern for me suggests that she is willing to extend that care to anything that matters to him. I have no doubt in my mind about it.

“I’m sorry if you saw me in this state. We were in a rush earlier, and your speculation is true, Your Majesty. I was attacked by a ruby Izavene, and Azriel came to rescue me. After that, he brought me here which is less than an hour ago,” I replied.

Come to think of it, it’s a shame for an empress to see someone face her with visible wounds and some torn clothes. I probably look like a filthy rug in her eyes at the moment.

“Don’t worry about how you look like. Now that I know what happened, there’s no need for me to judge your appearance,” she crossed her arms and tapped her chin with her index finger.

“I usually do, though. It’s not hard to see through a person. But all those aside, I thought of something important since His Highness brought you here. Are you aware that he’s getting married in a few days?”

I gulped, and I couldn’t explain what I’m feeling from within.

He didn’t tell me about that. But now I can see what the empress is pointing out.

“No, I’m afraid not. I don’t remember him bringing up that topic. That said, if someone in the palace finds out about me being here, rumors would spread, won’t it? With this hand chain, there will be rumors that His Highness and I have a special relationship,” I gritted my teeth and breathed before continuing. “Though I wanted to keep a low profile, if people would think that I’m simply a commoner, they’ll question why His Highness is keeping me. If people find out that I'm the princess of Eurhyia, it will cause greater attention.”

The corners of her mouth turned up, and I can tell she was enjoying this. It left me feeling perplexed and uncertain.

“Oh, how perceptive of you. You picked on it more quickly than expected. You’re a quick thinker, aren’t you? Frankly, it would be better if someone with that line of thinking like yours would be the empress. It wasn’t hard for you to see the big picture in a matter of seconds. I have to say, I’m impressed.”

Should I thank her? It's natural for me to see the connection between one thing to another easily. But what is she implying behind those words? I feel like I'm missing something.

“There’s no reason for His Highness not to invite you to his wedding. But it’ll be inevitable for you not to be seen by everyone. You’re the kind who’ll easily stand out without you trying. When you talk to the nobles, they’ll start asking who you are. You can hide that hand chain by wearing gloves to cause lesser attention. You have the usual features of a common Izavene. How will you introduce yourself when someone asks about you?”

I’ll get in trouble if I’ll say that I’m Azriel’s commoner friend. It’s likely to insult the high society. But if I’ll introduce myself as the princess of Eurhyia once asked, won’t they see me as an enemy and get me in trouble? Everyone knows that Eurhyia and Marrossi are mortal enemies.

“I can tell them that Eurhyia and Marrossi have diplomatic relations, but not necessarily us under the empire’s authority.”

The empress’ expression fell, but it didn’t look like a disappointment, but something else that I can’t explain. I can’t help but feel the tension between us.

“That … would be safe. I remember how His Highness’ reaction when he got home after the recent war and told me that he won't get involved in wars again. He was dispirited, guilty, and angry at himself. He was blaming himself for losing his army and for killing the king … your father. That's why this relationship of yours with him is too questionable to me. I can’t imagine how you two met. Don’t get me wrong, princess. Getting rid of you isn’t something I have in mind. Because in my perspective, if you’re on Azriel’s side, I’m with you. If not, then that’s where the story changes. He must’ve had his reasons why he’s taking care of you. A Ruivenfiere can only make a hand chain to share their power with once in their lifetime, and that makes you special,” She said those nonchalantly, and my hands felt cold as she told me what I wanted to confirm for a while now – Azriel, after all, is the one who killed my father.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

He’s the man I’ve been looking for all this time, and he’s only next to me.

“Well then, let’s continue this conversation with some tea tomorrow. I want to know everything – with His Highness, of course. I’ll let you rest, and I hope you’ll be well-rested in this simple room. Good evening.” She stood up and stepped out of the room without looking back.

Heloise Adira Chavalleve-Ruivenfiere.

The blood empress, as everyone calls her. I forgot to ask how she found out that I’m the princess of Eurhyia and how she knew I was here. Could it be that Azriel told her that? Or did she probably see me somewhere before?

Whatever the case, what matters for now is to be prepared for tomorrow. I can’t let her see me with minor wounds and scratches. But I don’t even have another set of dresses to begin with since my clothes are casual, but I can’t face her without wearing something that will impress her.

Living here in the palace means I have to be lady-like, just like how I learned it back in Eurhyia. Though etiquettes aren’t hard, there’s one thing left to do today, and that is … shopping.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Instead of hosting a tea party, the empress extended an invitation for Azriel and me to join her for lunch. To ensure utmost secrecy, the dining room was strictly off-limits, devoid of any servants or prying eyes.

This precautionary measure was taken to prevent anyone from discovering my presence within the palace. It became evident that they were determined to keep my visit concealed from the outside world.

As I took my seat across from Azriel, the empress positioned herself at the head of the table. To my relief, Azriel had arranged for dedicated servants to assist me with my attire, makeup, and hair.

Initially, I had anticipated having to handle these tasks on my own, but I was grateful that Azriel had taken the initiative to ensure I received the necessary support. Words alone cannot express my gratitude towards him for his considerate gesture.

“I hope the food is to your liking, Your Highness,” the empress looked at me with a beam, and hearing her address me that way was unexpected.

"It is. Thank you for your generosity in inviting me over," I responded, and Azriel only looked at the food, completely uncomfortable with the situation. Is he worried that our plans will be revealed? He did tell me earlier that we should spill everything to the empress and assured me that it will be fine because the empress will always support his plans.

“I know that you’re curious why I have the princess of Eurhyia with me here. It’s mainly because she can help us know about the hell hole Hervouet is preparing for us, for he wants to take over the throne,” Azriel said, and the weight of his words made it awkward to continue eating. The empress, however, didn’t look surprised.

"I am deeply committed to preserving the reputation of the imperial family, but Hervouet has resorted to threatening me with execution if I do not align myself with him," I confessed. To gather information about his nefarious plans, I decided to deceive him by pretending to join forces. In reality, I am acting as a spy, relaying crucial information to His Highness. Our secret meetings have been ongoing, completely unbeknownst to anyone else." I explained, hoping to convey the complexity of the situation. However, the empress raised an eyebrow, indicating that she had detected some flaws in my explanation.

“But, how did you get involved here anyway? You’re the princess of Eurhyia. You’re supposed to be enjoying a luxurious life in your palace. What brings you here, and why are you helping us?”

“In Eurhyia's high society, Queen Corianne has orchestrated a campaign of rumors to tarnish my reputation. Initially, this didn't concern me greatly while my father was alive. However, after his passing, I found myself vulnerable and without protection. The queen tried to kill me with poison. I suspected as much, so I neutralized the poisoned tea with Tiaiell without her knowing. I had to run away from the palace to save myself, find people who can support me, and help me get rid of the rats in Eurhyia because I can’t do all of those by myself. Investigating is one of the things I’m good at, and I know the dirt of some nobles who are planning for our kingdom’s fall. It's hard to explain in simple words, but that’s the idea. I have to regain my honor and strengthen the pillars of my kingdom. My brother, the current king, lacks the strength I possess, and he will require my assistance in achieving these goals.”

Azriel's eyes widened slightly as my words reached his ears, as he had not heard this detailed account from me before. I had no further requests or expectations from him. Entertaining thoughts of becoming the next leader of this empire would be futile.

Azriel will be married soon, and with that reality in mind, there is no space for me to aspire to the role of empress. My focus now lies solely on Eurhyia and its welfare, as it becomes my utmost priority.

The empress took a sip from her wine. “Queen Corianne, you said …” she paused, as if the name reminds her of something. “Anyway, I can allow that. But it sounded like you’ll be back in Eurhyia once everything here is settled. You should’ve known by now that you can’t leave my son, didn’t you?”

I raised my head after looking at my food, shocked by her words.

“Pardon?”

The empress narrowed her eyes as she shifted her gaze to Azriel, her left eyebrow raised.

“It seems like my son didn’t tell you. That hand chain will make you and Azriel inseparable. For example, one of you is in danger. The other one would feel it. Moreover, it’s a symbol of engagement. That gives you the responsibility to be his wife. However, I don’t want you to be called ‘mistress.’ You’re the princess of Eurhyia. Being called a mistress sounds disrespectful.”

Ah, so that explains why Azriel suddenly appeared to rescue me when Hermine attacked. It was the hand chain's ability to sense danger that prompted his timely intervention. I had no idea that the hand chain possessed such remarkable power. Meanwhile, Azriel seemed visibly uncomfortable, unable to meet either of our gazes, his grip on the utensils tightening.

He should’ve seen this coming. If he made it clear that he’s engaged, I shouldn’t have let us be this close. Why does he keep on making decisions without thinking?

“However, it is a custom here that the empress should be from House Chavalleve or House Ashleigh, and the emperor will be strictly from the Ruivenfieres alone. Unless you’ll find something that disqualifies Kathrynne from being an empress, the title will be inherited by her. Your wedding is in four days. You can’t call off the engagement in that short time, and even if you can, the princess won’t be qualified either.” The empress said in a monotone.

The awkward silence and tension in the spacious dining room felt suffocating, and I know that I’m not the only one who feels that way.

With those words, I can only conclude one thing – this relationship is forbidden.